How does antivirus software contribute to computer security?

Antivirus software plays a crucial role in computer security primarily by checking for known malware and taking action against it. This ability is fundamental to its design and effectiveness. When installed on a computer, antivirus software regularly scans files and programs to identify any malicious code that matches its database of known threats.

Upon detecting malware, the software can take various actions, such as quarantining the infected files, deleting them, or attempting to repair them. This proactive approach helps to prevent malware from executing and causing damage to the system, stealing personal information, or corrupting data. The continuous updates to the antivirus database ensure that it can recognize the latest threats, which is vital in an ever-evolving cyber landscape.

While other options contribute to overall security or performance, they do not specifically pertain to the core function of antivirus software. The primary purpose of antivirus is to protect against malware, making this choice the most accurate representation of its role in computer security.